Mayor's powers will grow in 2014

The mayor of Alamogordo will have three additional powers when the office becomes an at-large position in 2014, though one of them has already been included in the city code.

According to Alamogordo City Attorney Stephen Thies, one of the additional powers -- the power of appointment -- is currently contained in the city code.

Generally present on city commission agendas, the power of appointment allows the mayor -- subject to the approval of a majority of the commission -- to appoint and remove members of public boards, commissions and committees, city records show.

For example, at the last City Commission meeting, the mayor had an opportunity to name people to various boards and committees such as the airport zoning board and Alamogordo Disability Council.

The "at-large" mayor will also be able to "guide and develop with the City Commission, city manager, and other appropriate individuals, short- and long-range plans and goals for the city concerning its growth and development," according to information provided by Thies.

The elected mayor will also present an annual "State of the City" message or report to the commission, records show.

Voters decided in 2012 to directly elect a mayor rather than have one chosen by the City Commission from among its members.

Mayor Susie Galea, who was elected by the commission in a split decision last year, is set to be the last Alamogordo mayor chosen by this process.

When the mayor is directly elected, he or she will serve a four-year term.

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Currently, the mayor can be replaced every time the commission reorganizes itself, usually when a member resigns and has to be replaced, or immediately following a commission election, which are staggered every two years, records show.

Remaining unchanged from the current system, the at-large mayor will still have all the powers of a commissioner, including the right to vote on "all questions under consideration," and will still be considered the ceremonial head of the city. The directly elected mayor will still preside over commission meetings and perform all duties "as are imposed by the commission," records show.

Once the office of the mayor becomes a directly elected position, the City Commission is set to reduce its number to six districts from its current seven districts.

Contact John Bear at jbear@alamogordonews.com. Follow him on Twitter @johnbearwithme